The Scouting Combine is in the books and all the attention will be turned to pro days and free agency. With the 2013 salary cap appearing to remain pretty stagnant, teams will be re-shuffling their rosters over the course of the next two weeks to get under the salary cap by March 12. With teams looking to cut high priced veterans, this list could grow as teams make tough decisions on players soaking up cap room.
Today, we play Nostradamus with the top twenty-five unrestricted free agents. Tomorrow we will look at 26-50. This list, in its totality, serves as a top fifty ranking of NFL free agents as well. Enjoy.
1. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens, QB, 28
It’s just a matter of time at this point. I have a greater chance of signing with a team than Flacco does of leaving Baltimore. At this point the only matter of contention is just how much the Ravens will pony up for their franchise quarterback.
Destination Point: Baltimore for six years, $120 million
2. Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos, OT, 26
John Elway has been clear that Ryan Clady isn’t going anywhere but Denver. This one comes down to whether the Broncos can get a deal done or have to franchise him. I think they wind up paying Clady as they restructure deals. He’s a franchise LT that is one of the best in the league and he’s only 26.
Destination Point: Denver for seven years, $84 million
3. Jairus Byrd, Buffalo Bills, S, 26
Eventually Jairus Byrd is going to be the highest paid safety in the league. The Bills have to franchise him to avoid a team opening their wallet for him. I would have to think a team like Philadelphia would be willing to pay the man. They won’t or shouldn’t get a shot at this guy. He’s one of the best if not the best safety in the draft. Buffalo franchises him in the hopes of working out a long-term deal.
Destination Point: Buffalo via the franchise tag
4. Henry Melton, Chicago Bears, DT, 26
Melton is one of the bright, young up and comers in the league. Chicago would be foolish to let him walk and I don’t see any possibility of that occurring. The Bears will tag this guy with the hopes of signing him to a long-term deal.
Destination Point: Chicago via the franchise tag
5. Brandon Albert, Kansas City Chiefs, OT, 28
The Chiefs could be headed towards drafting Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher at the top of the draft. If Albert isn’t back, it’s a sure sign of which direction they will be going in the draft. Albert has back issues which could be a red flag for a long-term deal. If healthy he is a stud LT that is capable of being a perennial Pro Bowler.
Destination Point: Chicago Bears for five years, $42.5 million